ESA and CNES sign contract on Europe’s Spaceport

Guiana Space Centre contract signing

29 March 2013

A €438 million contract securing Europe’s access to space has been signed by Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers, and Bernard Chemoul, Director of both France’s CNES space agency and the Guiana Space Centre.

The contract ensures the availability of the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) for ESA programmes and activities and for the exploitation of Ariane, Vega and Soyuz launchers to 2017.

ESA has contributed to the funding of the CSG since 1975. CNES is designated by the French government as the authority responsible for implementing the agreement between ESA and France on CSG and associated services until 2020.

“This event takes place after a remarkable year during which, for the first time, three launchers were operated from CSG, allowing 10 launches in a year, and Members States decided at the Council meeting at Ministerial level in Naples to continue contributing to the funding of CSG for 2013–17,” said Antonio Fabrizi.

“This is the result of successful cooperation between ESA and CNES, leading to more integrated teamwork in developing future launchers.”

“This contract is providing CNES with the means to guarantee the availability and reliability of the CSG Launch Range for the coming five years, while preparing the future with the upcoming Ariane 6 programme activities,” said Bernard Chemoul. “Europe has, in CSG, one of the most efficient launch bases in the world.”